Trenching machine apparatus



April 7, 1970 H. A. ELLIOTT 3,504,504

TRENCHING MACHINE APPARATUS Filed Sept. 15, 1968 7 Sheets-Sheet l ff? f 0 25g; ,25 M a .faz /7/ /70r/we// A E//l'o ff NVENTOR.

April 7, 1970 H. A. ELLIOTT TRENCHING MACHINE APPARATUS QS h Filed Sept. 15, 1968 TTORNE YS 7 SheetsSheet 3 Filed Sept. 13, 1968 Hadm pruwef when] Maliew TTORNE YS April 7, 1970 H. A. ELLIOTT 3,504,504

TRENCHING MACHINE APPARATUS Filed Sept. 13, 1968 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 w sc 23/ 6 w sag W 45a 44@ E E:

7n f b' f #af/Wsw ,4; f//fo .Z v INI/EN TOR if@ 5 Magda: pmuef when. f MaMLewA ATTORNEYS April 7, 1970 H. A. ELLIOTT 3,504,504

TRENCHING MACHINE APPARATUS Filed Sept. 15, 1968 7 Sheets-'Sheet 5 #agde/u Willen f Maiilwl TTORNE YS April 7, 1970 H. A. ELLIOTT 3,504,504

TRENGHING MACHINE APPARATUS Filed Sept. 13, 1968 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INV EN TOR April 7, 1970 H. A. ELLIOTT 3,504,504

TRENGHING MACHINE APPARATUS 7 Sheets- -Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 13, 1968 faffwed/ f//fa f/ INI/ENTOR Haclm plume! who@ MaRLewA TTOR N E YS United States Patent O 3,504,504 TRENCHING MACHINE APPARATUS Hartwell A. Elliott, P.O. Box 5512, Drew Station, Lake Charles, La. Filed Sept. 13, 1968, Ser. No. 759,599 Int. Cl. E02f 5/02; F161 N00 U.S. Cl. 61 72.4

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A scoop having adjustable curved jaw members in adjustably suspended between iixed pontoons. A plurality of jet nozzles force uid outwardly into the space between the jaw members and the jet nozzles, along with cutting edges of the jaw members, cut away earthen formations for burying of a pipeline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention The present invention relates to trenching apparatus and more particularly to new and improved trenching apparatus.

Description of the prior art Some prior art trenching machines required diving personnel to open the trenching machine after it had been submerged in water for position over water submerged pipe or required opening before placing in water and then attendance by diving personnel to position and close the machine around the submerged pipe.

Most prior trenching machines require strapping or buckling around the water submerged pipe to prevent the machine from wandering or becoming disengaged from the pipe. However, when buckled or strapped around the pipe, if a boat pulling the trenching machine broke lose or if a storm or strong water turbulence occurred, the trenching machine, because it was buckled to the pipe, scraped and damaged the pipe as it was pulled along the pipe and also damaged the interior of the trenching apparatus.

Further, most prior trenching machines had no means for adjusting the width of the blades, plates or jaw scoops relative to each other to control the lateral width of such blades, plates or jaws.

Also, most prior trenching machines had no means for easily adjusting the blades, jaw scoop members or plates to control the Vertical depth of the trench. If some means was provided for adjusting the vertical depth, it was complex and diicult to operate and usually required that the trenching machine be lifted from the pipe before adjustment of the blades, jaw scoop members or plates.

SUMMARY O FTI-IE INVENTION Brieily the present invention relates to a new and improved trenching apparatus including a pair of similarly curved suspended jaw members, a means for raising and lowering the jaw members as desired, a means for varying the width between said jaw members, a plurality of jet nozzle means mounted with each of said jaw members for cutting a pipe trench for the pipe extending through said jaw members, a plurality of eductor jet means and eductor tube means for removing the cuttings and slurry from the cut trench, and means for automatically opening the jaw members of the trenching machine when the machine is lifted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved trenching machine.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved trenching machine for laying underwater pipeline including a pair of adjustable 8 Claims- ICC jaw scoop members relative to a pair of pontoons, means for adjusting the lateral width of the jaw scoop members relative to the pontoons, jet nozzle and eductor jet nozzle means, means for supplying uid under pressure through each of the nozzles and eductor tube means for removing cut earthen formation from the area between the jaw scoop members.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved trenching apparatus requiring a minimum of underwater diving time, maintenance and operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved trenching machine including a pair of jaw scoop members and means for adjusting the vertical height of said jaw scoop members when the trenching machine is in operation and digging a trench for a pipeline under a body of Water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. l is a view of a trenching machine apparatus of the present invention in operation on the ocean floor or oor of a body of water and with the pipeline extending through the machine.

FIG. 2 is an elevation View of the trenching apparatus of the present invention with the apparatus being lifted by a suitable cable.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a trenching machine apparatus of the present invention partially illustrating a means for adjusting the lateral width of a pair of jaw scoop members, a means for adjusting the vertical height of a pair of jaw scoop members, eductor tube means and means for supplying Iluid under pressure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the trenching apparatus of the present invention illustrating pontoons positioned on blocks, jaw scoop members, eductor tube means and means for adjusting a vertical height of the jaw scoop members relative to the pontoons.

FIG. 5 is an end view taken along line 5 5 of FIG. 3 illustrating the relationship of a pair of jaw scoop members to roller means positioned and mounted with the inner surface of the jaw scoop members to prevent the pipe from damaging the inner surface of such jaw scoop mem'bers.

FIG. 6 is a front view taken along line 6 6 of FIG. 3 illustrating the relationship of a pair of front jet cutting nozzles relative to a pair of jaw scoop means.

FIG. 7 is a view taken along line 7 7 of FIG. 3 illustrating the relationship of an inner surface of one of a pair of jaw tube members, a plurality of jet nozzles, a pair of spaced sets of roller guides, a pair of eductor tube means and means for supplying fluid under pressure to the jet nozzles.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8 8 of FIG. 7 illustrating one-half of a rear set of a plurality of rollers with the other half of the rear set being illustrated secured to a corresponding jaw scoop member.

FIG. 9 is a View, partly in section, taken along line 9 9 of FIG. 7 illustrating the relationship of a means for supplying fluid under pressure to a plurality of jet nozzles and a pair of jaw scoop members.

FIG. l0 is an elevated view illustrating the relationship of a pair of jaw scoop members, a box means mounted with each of said jaw scoop members and a movable bar relative to said box means.

FIG. ll is an elevated view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating the relationship of a movable bar and a pair of box members, one of each of which is secured with one of each of opened jaw members.

FIG. l2 is an elevated partial View, partly in section, illustrating the relationship of a movable bar to a plurality of sheaves, a cable line and a rotatable cable drum.

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Attention is directed to FIG. 1 wherein the trenching machine apparatus of the present invention is generally designated at and is positioned on the oor F of a body of water W for laying of a pipeline P in a trench T. The trenching machine 10 of the present invention is illustrated as including in FIG. l a frame means generally designated as 12, pontoons generally designated at 13 and jaw scoop members generally designated at 15 which help to shape and form the trench T.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, a cable C is attached at one end to a boat (not shown) or other apparatus for pulling the trenching machine 10 along the pipe P.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a pair of spaced pontoons 16 and 17 are positioned parallel relative to each other and straddle the pipeline P (FIG. l) as is well known in the art. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, a front end 18 and 19, respectively, of the pontoons 16 and 17 is provided with an inclined or sloped surface 20. Each of the pontoons 16 and 17 includes a rear end 21 and 22, respectively, and upper and lower surfaces 23, 24, 25 and 26, respectively. Each of the pontoons 16 and 17 is pulled along the floor F of a water-covered formation as is well known in the art.

While it is well-known that the trenching machine 10 of the present invention is for use on the oor F of the water-covered formation, it should be noted that in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 that the trenching machine 10 of the present invention has been illustrated as being positioned on a plurality of wood blocks generally designated at B with the blocks B supporting the lower surfaces 25 and 26 of the pontoons 16 and 17, respectively.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, a bracing member 25 is secured at one of each of its ends 25a and 25h to the back or rear portion 21 and 22 of the pontoons 16 and 17, respectively. The bracing member 25 includes a straight member 25C which is connected to straight sections 28 and 29 which are integrally secured with a pair of elbow members 30 and 31 of the ends 25a and 25b, respectively. Each of the straight sections 28 and 29 is secured with the member 25e by suitable plate members 33 and 34 having aligned nut and bolt means 35 (FIG. 4). A pair of support ribs 36 and 37 are each secured with an inner surface 16a and 17a of the pontoons 16 and 17, respectively, adjacent the rear ends 21 and 22, respectively, and extend upwardly for contacting and supporting the straight sections 28 and 29. The ribs 36 and 37 thus provide added support for the cross-member 25.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, a rear cross-support member 40 extends between the spaced pontoons 16 and 17. The rear cross-support member 40 contains sections 40a, 40b and 40e with sections 40a and 40C being connected to section 40h by suitable rib plate connection members 42 and 43, respectively. The rear cross-support member 40 is supported by two sets of upstanding parallel posts generally designated at 44 and 45 with each set 44, 45 having a pair of upstanding posts 44a, 4417 and 45a and 4511, respectively. Each of tbe upstanding sets of posts 44 and 45 is secured to the sections 40a and 40C, respectively, of the rear cross-support 40 by any suitable means such as welding or nuts and bolts. The posts 44a and 44b are illustrated as being secured adjacent the outer surface 16b and inner surface 16a of the pontoons 16, respectively, with the upwardly extending posts 45a and 45b also being illustrated as secured with the outer surface 17b and inner surface 17a, respectively of the pontoon 17. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, a pair of cross frame support members 50 and 51 are secured by any suitable means such as welding to each of the posts 44a and 44b. An end of each member 50 is secured at the lower portion of the upstanding post 44b and extends upwardly to be secured with the upper end of the post 44a adjacent the rear portion 2.1 of the pontoon 16.

Cross frame member 51 is secured to the lower end of post 44a and extends upwardly to be secured with the upper end of post 44b adjacent the center portion of the pontoon 16. As further illustrated in FIG. 5, similar cross frame members 50 and 51 are secured in a similar fashion with the upstanding posts 45a and 45h mounted with pontoons 17.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11, a pair of depending arms 53a and 53b are mounted be any suitable means such as welding to the rear cross support member 40 and depend therefrom between the center of the middle section 40h and section 40C. A sheave 54 is mounted between the arms 53a and 53h by a suitable bolt or rivet means 55 for receiving a cable 58. A cable line drum 59 is mounted on pontoon 17 adjacent the outer surface 17h and rear portion 22 of such pontoon 17 for receiving one end of cable 58. The drum 59 is supported off the upper surface 17e of the pontoon by a pair of upwardly extending spaced support arms 60 and 61. A rotatable handle 62 is connected with the drum 59 for rotation of the drum to enable the cable to be reeled in or out as desired. Another end 63 of the cable 58 is split into a pair of Y arms 63a and 63h each of which contains eyelets 64 for securing the similarly shaped metal eye members 65 suitably secured to upper rear sections 73b and 74b of a pair of jaw scoop members 73 and 74.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a means for varying the width between the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 is generally designated by the numeral and includes a pair of winch drums 81 and 82 secured adjacent the inner surface 16a and 17a and the rear end 21 and 22 of the spaced pontoons 16 and 17, respectively. Each of the drums 81 and 82 is supported from the upper surface 16C and 17C of each of the pontoons 16 and 17, respectively. Each of the drums 81 and 82 is supported from the upper surface 16e and 17C of each of the pontoons 16 and 17 by upwardly extending support arms 83 and S4, respectively Each of the drums 81 and 82 are also provided with suitable turning handles S5 and 86, respectively, for rotation of the drums as desired. One of each of the drums 81 and 82 receives one of each of a pair of cables '90 and 91 respectively, with one of the ends a and 91a of such cables having cable eyelets 90b and 9117, respectively. The cable eyelets 90b and 91h are secured with suitable metal eyelets 92 and 93 and each of the eyelets 92 and 93 are secured by any suitable means Such as welding to a side 73e and 74C of each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74, respectively, adjacent the upper rear portions 73b and 74h, respectively, of such jaw scoop members 73 and 74.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 a front cross-support member 98 includes sections 98a, 9819 and 98C with sections 98a and 98C being secured with the middle section 98b by suitable connection plate members 99 and 100, respectively. The front cross-support member 98 extends across the spaced pontoons 16 and 17 and is supported with and secured to, by any suitable means such as welding or the like, sets of upwardly extending posts generally designated at 102 and 103 with the set of posts 102 being secured adjacent the front end 18 of the pontoon 16 and the set of posts 103 being secured adjacent the front end 19 of pontoon 17. The set of posts 102 includes an upstanding post 104 and 105 secured adjacent the inner and outer surface 16a and 1611 of the pontoon 16, respectively. Each of the posts 104 and 105 includes a pair of depending legs 104e and 1Mb and 105a and 15017, respectively, each of which is secured to the under surface (not numbered) of the front cross-support member 98 and depends therefrom for securing by any suitable means such as welding or nut and bolt means to pontoon 16.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 the space between the depending arms 104:1 and 104b of post 104 is designated at 108 and it is to be understood that the depending arms 10Sa and 10S/5 have a similar space therebetween. However, it should be noted that in FIG. 2 that the space 108 between the depending arms 104e and 10411 of the outer post 104 is provided with a suitable cover 109 plate extending from the upper surface 16C of the pontoon to adjacent the under surface of the front cross-support member 98, but for purposes of clearer illustration in the drawings, such cover plate 109 has been omitted from FIG. 4 for illustration of other working elements of the trenching machine on the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the set of posts 103 includes a pair of spaced posts 110 and 111 having depending arms 110a and 110b and 111a and 111b respectively, similar to the set of posts 102. The posts 110 and 111 are secured with section 98e` of front cross-support member 98 similar to the manner in which section 98a is secured with posts 104 and 105.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 each of the arms 104, 105, 110 and 111 is provided with suitable support members 115, 116, 117 and 118, respectively. Support members 115 and 116 are secured at one end 115a and 116g respectively, to the upper surface 16e` of the front end 18 of pontoon 16, and extends to approximately the mid-point of the posts 104b and 105b, respectively, for securing of the ends 115b and 116b by any suitable means Such as welding, to such arms 104b and 10511.

Similarly, the ends 117fz and 118a of the support members 117 and 118 are secured by any suitable means such as welding to the upper surface 17e adjacent the front portion 19 of pontoon 17 and extend upwardly for securing by any suitable means such as welding, to the approximate mid-point of the posts 111b and 110b.

A cross-support member 120 includes sections 120a, 120b and 120C and a pair of plate connection members 121 and 122 for securing section 120a to section 120b and section 120b to section 120e, respectively (FIG. 3). Section 120g is secured by any suitable means such as welding to each of the spaced support members 115 and 116 and section 120e is secured to each of the spaced support members 117 and 118.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 a means for adjusting the vertical height of the jaw scoop members is generally designated by the numeral 4. Such means 4 includes a pair of cable line drums 125 and 126 which are positioned or suspended between the cross members 115, 116 and 117, 118, respectively. A rotatable shaft 128 extends between and through the drums 125 and 126 and is illustrated as including a section 128:1 which extends through drum 125, a section 128b which extends between the support members 116 and 117 and a section 128C which extends through the drum 126. Section 128g of the shaft 128 includes an end 129 mounted with the support member 115 by suitable rotatable bearing means 130 and a retainer cap 131 secured with the support member 115 for retaining the section 128a in position. The other end 133 of section 128a of the shaft 128 is also mounted with suitable rotatable bearing means 134 to enable the shaft section 128:1 to be secured to cross member 116 by a suitable retainer cap member 131. Section 128:1 is secured with section 128b by a suitable connection means 137 which includes, by way of example, plate and nut and bolt means.

Section 128!) is connected to section 128C by a similar suitable means designated at 137. The end 140 of shaft section 128C is also mounted with a suitable rotatable bearing means 141 for enabling the end 140 to be secured and mounted with the cross member 117 by a suitable retainer member 142. The shaft section 128C extends through rotatable drum 126 with the other end 143 being mounted with a suitable rotatable bearing means 144 for mounting of such end 143 with the cross member 118 with a suitable retainer member 142.

A motor means M as illustrated in FIG. 3 is mounted by any suitable means such as nut and bolt means or welding to the support member 117. Shaft 150 extends outwardly fro-m the motor M and is secured at an opposite end with a suitable gear means 151 (FIG. 2) which gear means receives an endless conveyor means 153,

such as, for example, a link or sprocket chain. The other end of the sprocket chain 153 is connected to a gear means 155 (FIG. 6) which is mounted with the end 140 of shaft section 128C between the retainer member 142 and connection member 137.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, a pair of sheave protection members and 171 are provided with a curved upper surface 1700 and 171a and a pair of depending arms 172 and 173, respectively. Each of the sheave protection members, 170 and 171, is secured with Sections 98a and 98C of the front cross member 98, respectively. A suitable elongated cross shaft 175 is secured with each of the arms 172 of portection member 170 and arms 173 of protection member 171 for receiving sheaves 176 and 177, repsectively. A pair of cables and 191 are received by the rotatable drums 125 and 126 and extend upwardly through the sheaves 170 and 171, respectively As the drums 125 and 126 rotate, the cables 190 and 191` `move laterally relative to such drums 125 and 126, respeo tively, and the elongated shaft 175 permits the sheave! 176 and 177 to move laterally with the movement of tht2 laterally moving cables 190 and 191, respectively.

As illustrated partially in FIG. 4, and fully in FIG. 12, where only one cable 191, and its operation is illustrated, the cable 191, and its operation, is for imparting vertical movement to a movable bar 200 which is positioned below the front cross member 98.

Cable 191 extends upwardly to sheave 170 and through openings 202 and 203 in the front cross member section 98C. Cable 191 then extends downwardly through opening 203 and into the space 204 between the front cross member 9S and movable bar 200 and thereafter through an opening 207 in the movable bar 200. A sheave 208 is suitably positioned in the inner gore 200a of the movable member 200 by suitable cross-shaft member 210 and receives the cable 191, which extends around such sheave member 208 and out through an opening 210 in the upper surface of the member 200. The cable 191 extends upwardly from the opening 210 through an opening 212 in the lower surface of the cross support member 9S and is received by a sheave 213 suitably mounted in the inner gore 214 of the section 98e by a suitable support shaft 214. The cable 191 then extends from the sheave 213 out the front cross member section 98C through an opening 216 in the lower surface of the front cross member 98 to be received by a sheave member 217 positioned parallel to sheave member 208 by a suitable sheave shaft 218. Cable 191 then extends from the sheave 218 upwardly to an eyelet member 220 for securing of the end 191a of the cable with the eyelet member 220.

As further illustrated in FIG. 12, cable 191 extends downwardly from the rotatable drum 126 to a rotatable sheave 222 positioned on a suitable elongated sheave shaft 223 in an opening 224 (FIG. 4) in the pontoons 16 and 17. The shaft 223 is elongated to enable the sheave 222 to move with the cable 191 as it moves laterally on the drum 126. Cable 191 extends from the sheave 222 upwardly through an opening 225 in the lower surface of the movable bar 200 and around a sheave 226 positioned parallel to sheaves 208 and 217 and positioned in such movable bar 200 by a suitable shaft member 227. The cable 191 extends downwardly from such sheave 226 through an opening 229 in the lower surface of the movable bar 200 to another sheave 230 positioned in the opening 224 in the pontoons 16 and 17 (with the opening 224 shown only in pontoon 16 as illustrated in FIG. 2). The sheave 230 is positioned in a rotatable stationary position by a suitable shaft 231 secured with the inner surface ot the pontoon 17 adjacent the opening 224 (FIG. 2). As illustrated in FIG. l2 the sheave 222 is positioned transverse to the movable sheave 230.

Cable 191 extends upwardly through an opening 234 in the lower surface of the movable bar 200 and over a rotatable sheave 235 which is positioned and maintained in parallel position to the sheaves 208, 217 and 226 by a suitable shaft member 236. Cable 191 extends from sheave 235 downwardly through an opening 238 in the lower surface of the movable bar 200 for connection of the end 191b with an eyelet member 240. While only one cable 191 and its operation relative to the movable bar 200 has been explained, it is to be understood that the cable 190 operates in the same manner with respect to the movable bar 200 and its related front cross member section 98a.

As illustrated in FIGS. l and 11 the movable bar 200 is divided into sections 242 and 243 which are connected by a suitable plate connection means 244 with the plate connection means 244 having flanged lips 245 for a purpose to be brought out hereinafter.

The jaw scoop members 73 and 74 also include an upper front outer surface 73a and 74a, respectively, each of which receives a pair of retainer boxes generally designated at 248 and 249, respectively. Each of the boxes 248 and 249 includes a pair of parallel upstanding spaced side walls 250 and 251, repsectively. A pair of outer end walls 252 and 253 extend upwardly past the height of the walls 250 and 251 and are each provided with a vertically positioned elliptical slot 254. Each of the outer end walls 252 and 253 are also provided with openings 255 and 256 for receiving the ends 257:1 and 258a of cables 257 and 258 (FIG. 3).

An inner end wall 259 and 260 of each of the boxes 248 and 249, respectively, is secured by any suitable means such as welding to the parallel spaced walls 250, 251 of each of the box members 248 and 249, respectively. lEach of the end walls 259 and 260 is provided with a longitudinal horizontal elliptical slot 262 such that the horizontal elliptical slots 262 of each of the box members 248 and 249 face each other. As illustrated in FIG. 11 section 243 of the movable bar 200 extends through the vertical elliptical slot 254 and the horizontal slot (not shown) of the wall 260. Similarly, section 242 of the movable bar 200 extends through the vertical elliptical slot (not shown) in the wall 252 and through the horizontal elliptical slot 262 in the wall 259 for joining of the plate members 244. As further illustrated in FIGS. and 11 the ianged lips 245 prevent portions of the opposite movable bar sections 242 and 243 from slipping into an entirely oppositely positioned box member 248 or 249. For example, section 243 of movable bar 200 cannot be received through the horizontal elliptical opening 262 in box member 248 because of the size of the flanged lips 245.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 is curved such that the concave inner surface 270 and 271 of each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 (FIGS. 8 and 9) face each other. Each of the jaw scoop members includes a front curved upper edge 272 and 273 and a lower front edge 275 and 276, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the rear edge 278 and 279 of each of the jaw members, 73 and 74 is semi-circular in shape such that when the jaw scoop members are closed, the overall rear configuration is circular in shape as generally designated at 280.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6 each of tbe jaw scoop members 73 and 74 is provided with a plurality of conduit means generally designated at 281. A pair of conduit members 282 and 283 extend downwardly through an opening (not numbered) in front sections 285 and 286, respectively, of each of the jaw scoop rnembers 73 and 74. Each of the conduit members 282 and 283 includes a anged end 288 for connection with suitable fluid hose lines generally designated at H in FIG. l. Each of the conduits 282 and 283 extends downwardly in the space or opening 289 between the jaw members 73 and 74 to the lower front edges 275 and 276, of the jaw members 73 and 74, respectively.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7 another pair of conduits 300 and 301 extend through the sections 285 and 286, respectively, and downwardly parallel to the conduits 282 and 283, respectively, for connection with conduits 282 and 283, respectively, at the connection point 305 (FIG. 7) of the conduits 300 and 301 with the conduits 282 and 283 for further supplying fluid under pressure. Another pair of conduits 306 and 307 having flanged ends 308 and 309 (FIG. 3) for connection with suitable high-pressure fluid hoses extend into the opening 289 and are curved such that the conduits 306 and 307 extend parallel to the upper slanted surface 309 of each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74. As illustrated in FIG. 7, where only one jaw scoop member 74 is illustrated, conduit 307 extends rearwardly past a connection point 310 which connection point curves the conduit 307 toward the center of the jaw scoop member 74. The conduit 387 extends further rearwardly to terminate in two depending members 312 and 315.

Yet another pair of conduits 316 and 317 are mounted with the jaw scoop member 73 and 74, respectively. At the fluid pressure connection end of the conduits 316 and 317 fluid under pressure is fed into a pair of nozzles 316s, 3161), 317g and 31717, respectively, for forcing uid through such conduits 316 and 317. Each of the conduits 316 and 317 extends rearwardly along the outer surface of each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 to form two depending fluid pressure conduits 318 and 319 which enter through openings (not numbered) in each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 to extend downwardly parallel to the tiuid pressure conduits 312 and 315, respectively, formed by the conduits 306 and 307. As illustrated in FIG. 7 conduit 312 and conduit 318 are joined at 320 to provide greater uid pressure for the conduit 318 and similarly conduit 315 and conduit 319 are joined at 321 to provide greater fluid pressure for the conduit 319.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9 a lower nozzle conduit 325 is integrally and transversely mounted with the conduits 318 and 319 to form a horizontal tluid nozzle pressure communication means. The liuid nozzle conduit 325 is positioned parallel 'to the lower surface 326 of each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 and extends below such surface 326.

As further illustrated in FIG. 7 the conduit 283 is provided with a plurality of jet nozzles 330 for shooting a jet fluid stream outwardly therefrom for cutting away of the underwater earthen formation. A plurality of nozzles 331 extend upwardly toward the center of the jaw scoop member 74 and are mounted with the jet nozzle conduit 325. Another set of a plurality of nozzles 332 also extend upwardly toward the center of the jaw scoop member 74 and are positioned to force uid in an opposite direction from such fluid nozzles 331.

A plurality of eductor nozzles designated at 335 extend outwardly from conduit 312 and are curved upwardly at their end to force fluid and cuttings into an opening 336 formed in the iaw scoop member 74 to enable earthen cuttings, slurry and water to be forced outwardly through an eductor tube 337 mounted with the jaw scoop member 74. A second set of eductor nozzles designated at 340 extends outwardly from conduits 312 and 315 into a feeder trough 341 to enable iiuids, cuttings, slurry and the like to be forced out through an opening (not numbered) which communicates with another eductor tube 342. While the jet nozzle arrangement of the jaw scoop member 74 has been described, it is to -be understood that the jet nozzie arrangement and the eductor tubes for the jaw scoop member 73 operate in the same manner.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 the eductor tubes 337 and 342 with each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 extend substantially to the center of the pontoons 16 and 17 respectively and are raised therefrom (FIGS. 5 and 6). In this manner earthen cuttings, mud, slurry and the like expelled and forced from the area within the scoop and from the area of the trench T so that the trench will not refill with mud.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, -where only one set of jaw scoop members 74 is shown, two sets of rollers, geuerally designated at 360 and 361, are provided for protecting the internal elements of the jaw member 74 from damage due to scraping or the like from the pipe P. A plurality of spaced plates 361, 362 and 363 are mounted with the jaw scoop member 74 adjacent the front edge 273 by any suitable means such as welding. Each of the plates 361, 362 and 363 extends at an angle but substantially longitudinally relative to the jaw scoop member 74. A plurality of roller shafts 364 is positioned between the plates 361, 362 and 362, 363, respectively, for receiving rollers 365 between the plates 361, 362 and 362, 363, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, a rear set of rollers 361 with each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 includes a pair of rollers 370 and 371 each of which includes a roller shaft 372 which is secured at each end to a depending arm member 373. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 each of the rollers 370 and 371 with each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 are positioned such that the roller 376 is the upper roller and such that the arms `373 extend outwardly suiciently from the inner surface of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 to prevent touching of the inner surface of either of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 by the pipe P. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8 with the trenching machine apparatus 10 of the present invention positioned around a pipeline P the top rollers 370 and bottom rollers 371 with each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 prevent the pipe from contacting any of the conduit members of the inner surface of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74. Similarly with the front set of rollers 360 positioned to extend outwardly a slight distance past the conduits 282 and 283, the front set of rollers 365 prevents the pipe P from contacting the conduits or fluid nozzles positioned in the front or center portion of the jaw scoop members 73 or 74.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cables 257 and 258 extend from their connection with the box members 248 and 249 to connection at the other end 257b and 258b to an eyelet ring 380. Another pair of cables 381 and 382 are connected at one end 381:1 and 382er, respectively to the eyelet 380 and extend in diverging directions for connection to metal eyelets 384 and 385 which are secured and mounted with the posts 44b and 45b.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a pair of metal eyelets 389 and 390 are secured with the inner surface 16a and 16b of the pontoons 16 and 17. A pair of plate members 392 and 393 are mounted by any suitable means such as welding to the conduits 282 and 283 respectively and to the inner surface 270 and 271, respectively of the jaw members 73 and 74. When pulling the trenching machine 10 of the present invention a single cable is secured with the plate 393 at one end and the eyelet 390 at the other end such that a loop is formed which extends outwardly preferably at a distance of 50 feet in front of a trenching machine 10 of the present apparatus. Similarly another cable (not shown) is connected at one end to the plate 392 and at the other end to the metal eyelet 589 such that a loop is formed which also preferably extends outwardly some 50 feet in front of the trenching machine 10 of the present invention. In this manner it should be readily understood that some 50 feet in front of the trenching machine that the two cables are drawn together so that a common cable can be attached thereto for pulling of the trenching machine 10. Such a pulling arrangment enables a steady balancing pull to be exerted `always on the jaw members 73 and 74 and the pontoons 16 and 17 to insure smoother and easier pulling of the trenching machine 10 of the present invention.

In the operation of the trenching machine 10 of the present invention, when the trenching machine 10 is lifted by a cable 400 connected to a suitable lifting means, the cables 381 and 382 lifts the rear portion of the trenching machine 10 upwardly. The front cables 257 and 258 lift the front portion of the trenching machine 10 lby lifting upwardly on the retainer boxes 248 and 249, respectively. The cables 257 and 258 are lifted upwardly in the direction of the arrows 401 and 402 (FIG. 11), respectively which swings the lower portion of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 outwardly away from each other such that when the trenching machine 10 is lowered into the water it can be irmnediately placed over the pipeline P. When the trenching machine 10 is lifted upwardly the outward movement of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 pivots the jaw scoop members relative to the vertical elliptical slot 254 in each of the retainer boxes 248 and 249 such that the movable bar 200 is positioned in the lower portion of each of the vertical elliptical slots 254.

When the trenching machine is lowered and placed over the pipeline such that the pontoons 16 and 17 and jaw scoop members 73 and 74 are contacting the water-covered formation F initiation of the jet nozzle cutting and pulling forward of the trenching machine 10 closes the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 together Ias illustrated in FIG. 10 to thereby pivot the jaw scoop members and retainer boxes 248 and 249, respectively, relative to the vertical elliptical slots 254 in each of the boxes 248, 249, such that the movable bar 200 is positioned in the upper portion of the vertical elliptical slots 254.

If it is desired to vary the width of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 relative to each other in the rear portion thereof of the members, the handles and 86 lare rotated to move the cables and 91 in the direction of the arrows 405 and 406 (FIG. 11) to wind the cables on the drums 81 and 82, respectively, which thereby moves the rear portions of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 outwardly. Of course, if it is desired to vary the lateral width of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 relative to each other such that the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 move closer together, the drums 81 and 82 are unwound to release the tension on the cable lines 90 and 91, respectively.

When the lateral width of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 is varied, the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 and retainer boxes 248 and 249, respectively, pivot about the horizontal elliptical openings, 262 in each of the retainer boxes 248 and 249. For example, if the distance between the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 is widened, the movable bar 200 will be positioned adjacent the front portion of the horizontal elliptical slots or openings 262.

lf it is desired to vary the vertical height of the rear portion of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74, the drum 59 is rotated with a handle 62 which either winds or unwinds the cable 58. The cable 58 extends through the sheave 54 and is connected to the cable sections 63a and 63b which, in turn, are connected to jaw scoop members 74 and 73, respectively, thereby raising or lowering the end of the `Jaw scoop members, as desired.

If it is also desired to raise or lower the front portion of the jaw scoop members and thereby vary the depth of the trench T as it is being cut, the motor M is actuated to rotate the continuous link chain or belt 153 which is connected with the gear 155 mounted with the rotatable shaft 128. Rotation of the shaft 128 irnparts rotation to the spaced drums and 126. Thus, for example, if the drums are rotated in the direction of the arrow 410 (FIG. l2) such rotation rotates the sheave in the direction of the arrow 411 which imparts rotation to the sheave 213 in the direction of the arrow 412 to thereby impart rotation to the sheave 217 in the direction of the arrow 413 to move the movable bar 200 upwardly in the direction of the arrow 414 since the end of the cable 191g is anchored to the eyelet 220.

Such rotation of the drum 125 and 126 in the direction of the arrow 410, of course, also imparts slack to the end 191b of the cable 191 which is anchored to the metal eyelet 240 to enable the movable bar 200 to move upwardly. Of course rotation of the drums 125 and 126 in the opposite direction from the arrow 410 enables the movable bar 200 to move downwardly in a direction of the arrow 415. With this means for varying the vertical height of the bar, tension is always maintained on the bar such that it operates as a rigid member until such time as it is desired to vary the vertical height of the bar 200 relative to the pontoons 16 and 17. Of course, when the movable bar 200 is moved upwardly the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 also move upwardly because the retainer boxes 248 and 249` contain and retain the bar 20) relative to vertical movement of such bar 200.

Fluid is supplied under pressure through hoses H FIG. l) to all of the conduits 282, 283, 360, 301, 306, 307 and 316, 317 for operation of the jet cutting nozzles 330, 331 and 332 and operation of the eductor nozzles 33S and 340.

Fluid under pressure is applied to the front jet cutting nozzles 330 through the conduits 282, 283 and 300, 301, respectively with each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74. The front jet cutting nozzles dig away the earth formation in front of the trenching machine to enable it to be pulled forwardly. In the preferred embodiment some of the lower front jet cutting nozzles 330 extend upwardly to circulate the Water forwardly which causes the front end of the trench T to be cut away to allow the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 to be pulled forwardly in the trench. The lower edge of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 are very sharp and move ahead to cut away the rest of the trench. The water and cuttings are thus circulating forwardly, upwardly and then back into the scoop. The jetting nozzles 331 and 332 are positioned and aimed substantially toward the center of the opening 249 to force the cuttings, slurry or the like upwardly relative to the jaw scoop members 73 and 74. As the cuttings, slurry and the like are forced upwardly, the jetting action of the eductor nozzles 335 and 340 for the eductor tubes 347 and 342, respectively, jets and forces the cuttings, slurry or the like out through the eductor tubes 337 and 342 mounted with each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 away from the cut trench T.

Because the trenching machine T is straddling the pipe and digging a trench T around the pipe P, the sets of rollers 360 and 361 mounted with each of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74 prevent the pipe from contacting the conduits and jet cutting and eductor jet nozzles mounted with the inner surface of the jaw scoop members 73 and 74. Such sets of rollers 360 and 361 also prevent the internal elements of the trenching machine of the present invention from contacting, scraping and perhaps thus damaging the pipe.

With the trenching machine of the present invention it is impossible to move forwardly to cut a trench T with the jaw members 73 and 74 closed if there remains any portion of the trench T that has not been cut. Thus, since the jaw members 73 and 74 are preferably closed during operation, any portion of the trench left standing prevents forward pulling of the jaw scoop members.

It should also be noted that the trench T, when formed, is curved similar in shape to the jaw scoop members 73 and 74. Thus, the trench T is sloped outwardly at its sides and curved in the center thereof which is desirable for preventing the trench T from caving in or the like.

While the present invention has been described in operation so that the pipeline extends through the trenching machine, the trenching machine of the present invention could form the trench and the pipeline thereafter laid in the trench after it has been formed.

The foregoing disclosure and description Of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made within the sco-pe of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A trenching machine for cutting a trench for pipelines and the like in water-covered formations comprising:

(a) a pair of spa-ced parallel pontoons, one of each of said pontoons being positioned on each side of and longitudinally relative to the pipeline;

(b) frame means secured with each of said pontoons;

(c) a pair of spaced longitudinally extending jaw members mounted with said frame means, each of said jaw members having a concave inner surface relative to the other of said jaw member;

(d) means mounted with said jaw members for varying the width of said space between said jaw members;

(e) means mounted with said frame means for Varying the vertical height of said jaw members relative to said pontoons;

(f) jet cutting means mounted with the inner surface of each of said jaw members for cutting away earthen formation to enable the trench to be dug;

(g) eductor jet means mounted with each of said jaw members;

(h) eductor means mounted with said jaw members adjacent each of said eductor jet means for removal of cuttings, slurry and mud particles as they are cut by the jet cutting means to prevent the trench from refilling;

(i) supply duct means for supplying uids under pressure to each of said jet cutting means and said eductor jet means to thereby enable said jet cutting means to cut a trench between said jaw members and to enable said eductor jet means to remove cuttings and the like through said eductor means away from the trench as said trenching machine is pulled longitudinally for cutting of the trench.

2. The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame means includes:

(a) a pair of upstanding front posts, one of each of said posts mounted with the front of one of each of said pontoons;

(b) a front cross support member secured with each of said front posts;

(c) a pair of upstanding back posts, one of each of said back posts mounted with the rear of each of said pontoons; and

(d) a rear cross support member secured with each of said back posts.

3. The structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein said means for varying the width of said jaw members includes:

(a) a pair of cable drums, one of each of said cable drums being mounted with one of each of said pontoons adjacent one of each of said rear posts;

(b) a cable line mounted with one of each of said drums, one end of each of said cable lines being secured with one of each of said drums and the other end of one of each of said cable lines being secured with the adjacent of one of each of said jaw members wherein rotation of each of said drums enables one of each of said cable lines to move one of each of said jaw members relative to each other for varying the width between said jaw members.

4. The structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein said means mounted with said frame means for varying the vertical height of said jaw members relative to said pontoons includes:

( a) means mounted with said rear cross support mem- `ber for varying the vertical height of the rear portion of said jaw members relative to said pontoons; and

(b) means mounted with said front cross support member for varying the vertical height of the front portion of said jaw members relative to said pontoons.

5. The structure as set forth in claim 4 wherein said means mounted with said rear cross support member includes:

(a) cable line drum means secured with and adjacent the rear end of one of said pontoons;

(b) sheave means suspended from said rear cross support member;

(c) a cable line having two ends;

(d) one of the ends of said cable line being connected with said cable line drum means and the other of said ends of said cable line extending through said sheave means for connection to the rear portion of each of said jaw members wherein the rear portion of said jaw members is raised and lowered relative to said pontoons by winding and unwinding said cable line on said cable line drum.

6, The structure as set forth in claim 4 wherein said means mounted with said front cross support member for varying the height of said front portion of said jaw members includes:

(a) a movable -bar member extending parallel to and adjacent said front cross support member, said movable bar member being connected to each of said jaw members;

(b) a pair of cable lines, one of each of said cable lines secured at one of each of the ends of said front cross support members and at the other end to said frame means;

(c) a pair of a plurality of pulley means, one of each of said plurality of pulley means mounted adjacent one of each of said cable lines and with one of each of the ends of said movable bar member;

(d) a pair of cable line drum means mounted with said frame means, one of each of said cable line drum means receiving one of said cable lines;

(e) one of each of said cable lines extending through the adjacent of one of said plurality of pulleys and thereby supporting and suspending said movable bar relative to said front cross support member;

(f) means for simultaneously rotating said pair of cable line drum means wherein rotation of said drum enables said cable lines to move relative to said pulleys and wherein said movable bar and the front portion of said jaw members are raised and lowered as desired.

7. The structure as set forth in claim 1 including:

(a) upstanding post means secured with the front portion of said pontoons;

(b) a front cross support member secured by said upstanding post means;

(c) said means for varying the Vertical height of said jaw members relative to said pontoons includes:

(l) a movable bar positioned parallel to said front cross support member; and

(2) cable means for moving and supporting said movable bar;

(d) means for securing said movable bar to each of said jaw members, said means for securing including:

(l) a pair of box means, one of each of said means, secured with the upper front portion of said jaw members;

(2) each of said box means having a vertically positioned elliptical opening in its outer surface and a horizontally positioned elliptical opening in its inner surface, said movable bar extending through all of said openings wherein lateral movement of said jaw members is accomplished by movement of said jaw members relative to said horizontally positioned elliptical openings and vertical pivotal movement of said jaw members is accomplished by movement of said jaw members relative to said vertically positioned elliptical openings.

8. The structure as set forth in claim 7 including cable lifting means secured with said pair of box means and said frame means for lifting said trenching machine wherein lifting of said trenching machine enables said jaw members to move outwardly away from each other and said vertically positioned elliptical slots in said boxes are moved relative to said movable bar.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 23,963 3/1955 Collins 61-72.4 3,333,432 8/1967 Hale et al. 61-72.4 3,338,060 8/ 1967 Harmstorf 61-72.4 3,429,132 2/1969 Martin 61-72.4

JACOB SHAPIRO, Primary Examiner 

